A Lord’s Legacy Sealed: South Africa’s Dominance in the WTC25 Final
The iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London witnessed history unfold. The final of the ICC World Test Championship 2025 captivated cricket fans globally. South Africa, often considered the “chokers” in major tournaments, shed that unwanted tag. They delivered a commanding performance. The Proteas triumphed over Australia, winning by 5 wickets. This remarkable victory secured their maiden World Test Championship title. It marked their first major ICC trophy in 27 years. The win sparked jubilant celebrations. It etched new names into cricketing folklore.
Match: Australia vs. South Africa Venue: Lord’s Cricket Ground, London Dates: June 11-14
Australia 1st Innings:
- Total: 212 all out
- Key Batting: Beau Webster (72 runs), Steve Smith (66 runs)
- Key Bowling (SA): Kagiso Rabada (5 wickets for 51 runs)
South Africa 1st Innings:
- Total: 138 all out
- Key Batting: David Bedingham (45 runs), Temba Bavuma (36 runs)
- Key Bowling (AUS): Pat Cummins (6 wickets for 28 runs)
Australia 2nd Innings:
- Total: 207 all out
- Lead: Set South Africa a target of 282 runs
- Key Batting: Mitchell Starc (58 not out), Alex Carey (43 runs)
- Key Bowling (SA): Kagiso Rabada (4 wickets for 59 runs), Lungi Ngidi (3 wickets for 38 runs)
South Africa 2nd Innings (Target: 282 runs):
- Result: Won by 5 wickets
- Key Batting: Aiden Markram (136 runs), Temba Bavuma (66 runs)
- Winning Moment: Kyle Verreynne hit the winning runs.
Match Result: South Africa won the ICC World Test Championship 2025 Final by 5 wickets.
Player of the Match: Aiden Markram (South Africa)
Notable Overall Bowling: Kagiso Rabada (South Africa) – 9 wickets across both innings.
The Grand Finale: A Clash of Titans
The 2025 ICC World Test Championship final brought together two formidable Test nations. Australia, the reigning champions from the 2023 edition, faced a determined South African side. The match, played from June 11 to 14, was a testament to Test cricket’s enduring appeal. Lord’s, the “Home of Cricket,” provided a fitting backdrop. The stage was set for an epic encounter.
Australia’s First Innings: A Fragile Foundation
South Africa won the toss. Captain Temba Bavuma elected to bowl first. This decision proved astute. Kagiso Rabada, the Proteas’ spearhead, was in devastating form. He dismantled the Australian top order. Rabada claimed an impressive 5 wickets for just 51 runs. His spell showcased classic Test match bowling. Despite his brilliance, Australia found some resilience. Beau Webster contributed a vital 72 runs. Steve Smith also added a gritty 66. Ultimately, Australia managed a total of 212 all out. This score was below par at Lord’s.
South Africa’s Reply: Batting Woes and Cummins’ Brilliance
South Africa’s first innings did not start promisingly. Pat Cummins, the Australian captain, bowled with fire and precision. He exploited the conditions masterfully. Cummins delivered a phenomenal spell, taking 6 wickets for 28 runs. He ripped through the South African batting line-up. David Bedingham top-scored with 45. Temba Bavuma added 36. However, South Africa crumbled to 138 all out. This gave Australia a significant first-innings lead of 74 runs. The momentum seemed to shift in Australia’s favor.
Australia’s Second Innings: A Tail-End Fightback
Australia started their second innings with a healthy lead. However, South Africa’s bowlers continued their relentless attack. They chipped away at the Australian wickets. Kagiso Rabada once again led the charge. He picked up 4 wickets for 59 runs. Lungi Ngidi also contributed with 3 wickets for 38 runs. Australia found themselves in deep trouble. They were reeling at 73 for 7. Yet, a remarkable lower-order partnership emerged. Mitchell Starc, with a determined 58 not out, and Alex Carey, with 43, stemmed the flow of wickets. Their resistance added crucial runs. They pushed Australia’s total to 207 all out. This set South Africa a challenging target of 282 runs for victory.
The Historic Chase: Markram’s Masterclass and Bavuma’s Grit
The fourth innings chase at Lord’s is always a test of character. South Africa needed 282 runs. This target was formidable. They had a history of faltering under pressure in ICC events. However, this South African team displayed immense resolve.
Aiden Markram’s Heroics
Aiden Markram emerged as the hero. He played an innings of a lifetime. Markram’s century was a masterclass in Test match batting. He displayed composure and attacking intent. He navigated Australia’s formidable bowling attack with ease. His outstanding 136 runs formed the backbone of the chase. He rotated the strike effectively. He punished loose deliveries. Markram’s knock etched his name into South African cricketing history.
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Temba Bavuma’s Resilient Partnership
Captain Temba Bavuma provided crucial support. He battled a strained left hamstring. Despite the discomfort, Bavuma scored a resilient 66 runs. His partnership with Markram was pivotal. They stitched together a match-winning stand. This partnership absorbed pressure. It steadily eroded the target. Bavuma’s leadership and grit inspired his team.
The Final Push
South Africa resumed on Day 4 needing 69 runs. Australia claimed two early wickets. Pat Cummins dismissed Bavuma. Mitchell Starc then removed Tristan Stubbs. However, David Bedingham and Kyle Verreynne held their nerve. Verreynne hit the winning runs. He drove Starc through the off-side. The ball raced to the boundary. Joy erupted among the South African contingent at Lord’s.
A 27-Year Drought Ends: The Proteas Reign Supreme
The final moment was met with emotional celebrations. Kyle Verreynne’s winning shot sealed the 5-wicket victory. South Africa had achieved the seemingly impossible. They had chased down a challenging target at Lord’s. This victory marked their first major ICC trophy since the 1998 Champions Trophy. The “choker” label finally vanished. Tears of joy flowed. Captain Temba Bavuma and player of the match Aiden Markram received widespread acclaim. Kagiso Rabada’s nine-wicket haul across both innings was equally crucial. This win was a culmination of years of hard work. It brought immense pride to a nation.
The Significance: More Than Just a Trophy
The ICC World Test Championship is the pinnacle of Test cricket. Winning this title signifies consistent excellence. It acknowledges performance over a two-year cycle. South Africa’s triumph confirms their status as the best Test team in the world. This victory also has profound implications for South African cricket. It provides a much-needed morale boost. It inspires a new generation of cricketers. It also solidifies the legacy of this Proteas squad. They achieved what many thought was unattainable. They conquered Australia at Lord’s. They secured the ultimate Test prize.
What’s Next for Test Cricket?
The World Test Championship cycle continues. Teams will now begin their campaigns for the next final. The competition for top spots will be intense. South Africa will aim to defend their title. Other nations will vie for supremacy. The WTC has added a compelling layer to Test cricket. It provides context and a grand objective. The battle for the mace promises more thrilling encounters.
Conclusion: A Day to Remember for South Africa
Lord’s witnessed a moment of pure sporting triumph. South Africa’s victory in the ICC World Test Championship 2025 final was a testament to their skill, resilience, and unwavering belief. Aiden Markram’s century and Temba Bavuma’s leadership were highlights. Kagiso Rabada’s bowling was outstanding. This win transcends mere statistics. It represents the breaking of a long-standing jinx. It is a defining moment for South African cricket. The Proteas have etched their names in history. They are the new champions of Test cricket. Their victory will be celebrated for years to come.
